Osmeña dares Rama to political debate

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City Ma-yor Tomas Osmeña has challenged Mayor Michael Rama to a political debate as he and his slate in the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan yesterday filed their certificates of candidacy before the Commission on Elections.

Osmeña, who is seeking for a rematch with Rama after losing in the 2013 mayoralty race, said he is willing to answer questions from Rama in front of all the Team Rama candidates.

“I’m willing to answer his questions in front of his slate and I’ll ask him questions also… Let’s be transparent to the people. Let him answer the questions,” Osmeña said as he criticized the mayor for not answering queries directly.

“His mouth is faster than his mind. His mouth starts running and then his mind doesn’t know where he is. So the words just come out and don’t know what he is saying,” Osmeña added.

Rama refused to give a categorical answer to the challenge.

“Debate? Siya niadto dili siya makigdebate, ayaw nalang ko estoryahi ana… Ayaw siya pahilas-hilasa… Do I need a debate or he needs a debate?” he said.

He said it is still premature to be talking of a debate when he has not yet filed his CoC.

Osmeña, who is a cancer survivor, also recalled that some people believe he was going to die in the last elections. He believes that the same propaganda will be used against him in the coming elections.

However, Osmeña said those people who wish him dead will be disappointed.

 “I am not going to die, what will happen instead, Rama is going to end up in jail. So why are you going to vote for someone who is going to end up in jail?” Osmeña said.

Rama belittles Osmeña’s claim that he is going to jail. He also denied thinking of his opponent’s death in the last elections.

 “Nganong iya man kong ipapriso intawn? Unsa may kaso? Kun ang kaso ila ra sang binuhat, tingali ipapriso jud ko nila pero wala jud koy problema ana,” Rama said.

Osmeña led the entire BOPK lineup yesterday in filing their CoC. The group heard a Mass at the Saint Therese Church in Lahug before heading to Plaza Independencia where several supporters were waiting to join them marching to the Comelec office.

“I’m very happy with the enthusiasm of the supporters, you know. They volunteered (and) I even didn’t ask for it… They insisted on showing up. We are very happy of the very warm reception we are getting even along the road,” said Osmeña.

Osmeña is running in tandem with Councilor Nestor Archival South district Rep. Rodrigo Abellnosa is seeking for reelection under BOPK as well as north district Rep. Raul del Mar.

BOPK’s south district lineup included reelectionist Councilors Margarita “Margot” Osmeña and Eugenio “Jun” Gabuya, Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia, Mambaling councilwoman Ann Palomo, former basketball star and comedian Bonel Balingit, Randy Navarro, Danny Pacaña, and Allan “Goliat” Nacorda.

Incumbent Councilors Mary Ann de los Santos, Alvin Dizon, Alvin Arcilla, Sisinio Andales and Nida Cabrera are also seeking reelection. Former vice mayor Joy Young, Banilad councilwoman Malou Tabar and Tejero councilman Garry Lao completed the BOPK lineup for the north district.

Team Rama is also scheduled to file its CoCs today after a Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral this morning. —/FPL (FREEMAN)